Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 409: Hair murder

The East men kept their hair long because it was considered a sign of virtue.

From the moment a male child was born, his mother tended to his hair until he was old enough to care for it himself. It was considered offensive for anyone else to handle it, unless you were someone special to him, precisely, a chosen mate, or a Fated one.

Hence, the moment both are paired and recognized by the pack, the female is expected to cut the male’s hair. It marks a transition as the male goes from the care of his mother to his mate.

He belongs to her now. Everything from his treasured hair to the sole of his feet. So, his hair has to be cut to the root to symbolize the end of an old life, and the blossoming of a new one.

Although Violet had known about it, the reality hasn’t dawned on her until now.

Right now, she was being escorted by a herd of girls she hadn’t seen in her entire life. They were young maidens of the East pack, and apparently, it was tradition for them to lead the mate of the heir to the hair-cutting ceremony.

Although it wasn’t the Cnáimhseáil Anama, Violet sure felt like a bride being led to her groom. Except this bride wasn’t happy at all.

For over an hour, she had argued with Irene and Griffin over the cutting of his hair. Did she really have to cut the whole thing? Couldn’t they just trim it? Maybe spare a few inches?

Not that she minded seeing Griffin with barely any hair, he’d still look dangerously good. But she loved his locks. No, she envied them. She liked touching them, tugging and twirling the hair around her finger. She couldn’t just let them go like that. She had to fight for them!

But Griffin had promised they’d grow back before she knew it, and that this had to be done.

commit hair murder. The gods help her. Her heart

raised in a chant as they approached the courtyard. The place was already full with members of the pack gathered in neat rows, some seated, and the others

her hair cascading freely over her shoulders and decorated with tiny golden ornaments that clinked gently with her

a small hand slide into hers and looked down to see Blaire peering up at her, offering her silent support. Violet smiled softly, heart warming

found herself being led to her fate

ceremonial robes, and seated in an exclusive spot at the front under a stone arch. They were still, their expressions grave

other sub-packs under the East were gathered. She could feel their curious gazes too assessing her. They had all come on such short notice to witness

explained things. Since it was late already, she and Griffin would return

evaporated from Violet’s mind the moment her eyes fell on Griffin. He was standing on an elevated stone platform beside Irene and a woman she presumed to be the

his hips. His chest was bare, his muscles taut with every inch of him painted with the ceremonial oils. His glorious red mane of a hair was left to spill over his shoulders in waves, gleaming

heart aching. She felt tears prickle her eyes, yet forced

he reached for her hand and tugged her

ever seen. She lifted her arms gracefully,

goddess be blessed, for she, in all her wisdom, has once again smiled upon our

of the pack bowed their heads

bestow a bond as sacred as